“The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does” (Psalm 145:13)

Cattle keepers are always looking for pasture land. Sometimes they wander into hostile territory where they are quickly repulsed. But there also those lands where they’re given plenty. So, imagine a situation where one meets a landowner who promises one a square mile but on condition to first look after his herd. The person is happy and gladly works the land expectant of his bounty. However, upon finishing his tasks and years of hard labour, the landowner goes back on his word by insisting, “I can only give you a square mile as promised after you labour for me yet another decade!”

This is the sort of situatuon Jacob faced. Laban had promised him marriage to his younger and most beautiful daughter Rachel only after working the land for seven years. Without hesitation Jacob got to work, but after faithfully doing his part, Laban changed goal posts. Asked, “Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one. Finish this daughter’s bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work” (Gen 29:26-27).

Instead of giving in, Jacob “worked for Laban another seven years” ( vv 29). For his trials, the Lord blessed Jacob mightily that in another tasty exchange he rebuked Laban, “You know how I have worked for you and how your livestock has fared under my care. The little you had before I came has increased greatly, and the Lord has blessed you wherever I have been” ( Gen 30:29-30).

Ultimately Jacob would have to live in hasty circumstances against Laban’s willingness but by then he was mightily blessed ( Gen 31).

Just like Jacob, you too could have chanced upon a Laban. He has gone against the original terms of the deal. He has changed goal posts and won’t release the payment you are due. Here is a boss who keeps coming up with all crazy new directives, leaving you besides yourself.

But then there is a God of Jacob who knows all about your faithfulness. Persevere in faith. When the time comes God will release you from that bondage with far more than the enemy sought to steal from you, as that is what exactly happened to Jacob!

Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, you who sees all my labors and travails, I pray for your blessings through all situations, this I pray in Jesus’s name.